Method and apparatus for controlling repetitive nervous system malfunction

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for controlling the symptoms of repetitive nervous system malfunction in a person such as the symptoms of Parkinson&#39;s disease and other ailments which create unwanted movement of a part of the person&#39;s body. The apparatus includes a support member to be worn on or in close proximity to a part of a patient&#39;s body effected by malfunction. The support member includes an actuator array for applying output signals to the part of the patient&#39;s body to cancel out pulse signals caused by the malfunction, to at least reduce unwanted movement of the part of patient&#39;s body. The actuator array preferably includes skin contact devices. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a detector for detecting pulses produced by the patient and which create the unwanted movement. Processing means may be used to produce an output signal which cancels those pulses. A method of treating the symptoms of repetitive nervous system malfunction is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for controlling repetitivenervous system malfunction in a person such as the symptoms ofParkinson's disease and other ailments which create unwanted movement ofpart of a persons body.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease due to failure ofcells in the brain which produce neuro transmitters. One of the symptomsof Parkinson's disease is resting tremor which usually manifests in apersons arm but which also can result in tremor of other parts of thebody. The tremor is caused by failure of nerve impulses in the brain andunwanted nerve pulses which are created elsewhere in a person's body.Presently, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease and little ifanything available for treating the tremor symptom of this disease.

[0003] Other conditions which produce unwanted tremor in a person's bodyincluding Huntington's Chorea. This condition produces an intentiontremor which manifests itself when a person attempts to move, forexample, his or her arm. Once again, nerve impulses create a unwantedmovement in the form of a tremor of part of the person's body.

[0004] Parkinson's disease and Hungtington's Chorea are extremelyserious conditions and research work is being undertaken into causes andpossible cures or these conditions. However, quality of life of a personwho suffers from these diseases could be greatly improved if it wouldpossible to treat the tremor symptom of these conditions.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide method andapparatus which are intended to treat the symptom of tremor created byrepetitive nervous system malfunction in a patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention, in a first aspect, may be said to reside in anapparatus for controlling repetitive nervous system malfunctionincluding:

[0007] a support member to be worn on or in close proximity to a part ofa patient's body affected by the malfunction;

[0008] at least one output member carried by the support member forapplying an output signal to the part of the patient's body to cancelout pulse signals caused by the malfunction to at least reduce unwantedmovement of the part of the patient's body caused by the malfunction.

[0009] Since the symptoms or ailments which cause tremor or otherunwanted movement of parts of a patient's body are created by nervepulses supplied by the brain into various muscles, by supplying a signalfrom the output member which cancels out those pulses, the unwantedmovement is at least reduced and most preferably completely eliminatedthereby preventing the tremor symptom of the disease or ailmentaffecting the patient.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention the output member includes anactuator array carried by the support member. The actuator array may becomprised by a mechanical vibration device, device emitting ultrasoundwaves or a needle array emitting magnetic-electrical pulses. Mostpreferably the devices which make up the array are skin contact devicesand may be in the form of plates or the like which are intended to makecontact with the patient's skin. In other embodiments the devices may beinvasive and be formed by needles which intend to penetrate thepatient's skin. However, because of the invasive nature of thistechnique it is less preferred than devices which merely receive ortransmit signals by contact with the patient's skin.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus includes:

[0012] a memory for storing data relating to a patient's symptoms whichcreate unwanted movement of part of the patient's body;

[0013] processing means for outputting signals to the output memberbased on the data stored in the memory so that the output member iscontrolled in accordance with the data stored in the memory to produceoutput signals of a required nature to cancel out the pulses whichcreate the unwanted movement of the part of the patient's body.

[0014] Preferably the processing means controls parameters of the outputsignal including any one or more of the following:

[0015] frequency;

[0016] phase;

[0017] amplitude; and

[0018] time duration.

[0019] This embodiment of the invention has particular application ifthe nature of the symptoms which create unwanted movement in thepatient's body are repetitive and involve no substantial variation overtime. In this embodiment it is therefore possible for the nature of thepulses which create the unwanted movement to be analysed and for theapparatus to output the counter-pulses to cancel those pulses.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention which can also be used inthe abovementioned environment, but which also has application insituations where the nature of the pulse signals created by the brainare not repetitive and are more random in nature, the apparatus furtherincludes a detector for detecting pulses produced by the patient andwhich create the unwanted movement of a part of the patient's body,processing means for receiving signals indicative of those pulses andfor controlling the output member to produce an output signal whichcancels those pulses.

[0021] Thus, in this embodiment of the invention the pulses which areproduced in the patient's body are detected by the apparatus and theapparatus processor signals indicative of those pulses can be analysedso that required counter-pulses can be produced and applied to thepatient to cancel out the pulses which create the unwanted movement andthereby eliminate the unwanted movement.

[0022] In this embodiment of the invention the detector is preferablyalso carried by the support member.

[0023] The number of output members and detectors carried by the supportmember will depend on the particular application and the patientconcerned. The number of output members may be extremely high if anumber of different muscles in a part of patient's body such as an arm,are affected by the ailment or if a number of regions of a few musclesare affected. Alternatively, if only one muscle or one region of amuscle is affected then the number of output members can be as little asone.

[0024] In the second embodiment of the invention which includes thedetector, preferably a detector is arranged in close proximity to eachof the output members so that the processing means can determine whichof the detectors detects a pulse creating unwanted movement and supplyan appropriate counter-output signal to the output member adjacent thatdetector for supplying the output signal to the patient's body at aposition coincident with where the pulse is detected which creates theunwanted movement.

[0025] Preferably the detector is any suitable transducer for detectingbiological electric pulses.

[0026] Preferably the processing means is programmed with data enablingthe processing means to distinguish between pulses which create unwantedmovement of the part of a patient's body and pulses which createmovement which is required by the patient. Typically, pulses whichproduce unwanted movement such as tremor are very short duration andrelatively high frequency pulses compared to pulses which createrequired movement of muscles such as normal arm movement or the like,which are usually considerably longer in duration or frequency.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention the output member may alsofunction as the detector for detecting the pulses which create theunwanted movement. In this embodiment the output member may be in theform of a micro-machined needle array carried by the support member andwhich detects pulses created by the patient which cause the unwantedmovement and, under control of the processing means, outputs the outputsignals to cancel out those pulses.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention the output member which iscarried by the support member is connected to the processing means by acommunication link so that the processing means can be carried by thepatient remote from the support member and output member. The processingmeans is most preferably located on a circuit board which can be carriedon a patient's belt or in a patient's pocket or anywhere else which isconvenient.

[0029] Preferably the communication link includes an electrical cablefor the transmission of electrical signals between the output member andthe processing means. However, in other embodiments wireless, orover-the-air transmission between the processing means and the outputmember is possible such as electromagnetic radiation transmission suchas infrared transmission.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention the processing means includesa digital signal processor connected to a memory and a switch member forenabling the control of transmission of signals in the processing meansfrom the digital signal processor to the output member.

[0031] Preferably the switch means includes at least one multiplexer.

[0032] Preferably the at least one multiplexer is coupled to the outputmember, the multiplexer being coupled to a filter and amplifier and thento a digital to analogue converter for converting digital signalssupplied by the digital signal processor to analogue signals to causethe output member to produce the output signal.

[0033] In the embodiment in which the detector is utilised, the detectoris preferably connected to a second multiplexer which in turn isconnected to a filter and pre-amplifier and then to an analogue todigital converter for converting analogue signals to digital signals,the analogue to digital converter being connected to a phase-locked loopbit detection system for locking the phase of the detected pulses andfor enabling the digital signal processor to produce the output signalhaving the required phase and frequency to cancel out the pulse whichcauses the unwanted movement.

[0034] In the embodiment of the invention which utilises an outputmember which acts both as an output member and a detector, the outputmember is connected to a multiplexer which in turn is connected to thedigital signal processor and also to a duplex circuit, the duplexcircuit being connected to a first circuit having a pre-amplifier, ananalogue to digital converter and a phase-locked loop circuit which isconnected to the digital signal processor and a second circuit includingan amplifier and a digital to analogue converter connected to thedigital signal processor so that the duplex can switch between thesupply of signals from the output member to the digital signal processorvia the first circuit and the supply of signals from the digital signalprocessor to the output member via the second circuit.

[0035] Preferably the memory is connected to the digital signalprocessor.

[0036] The invention may also be said to reside in a method of treatingthe symptoms of repetitive nervous system malfunction including thesteps of:

[0037] locating an output member in proximity to a part of a patient'sbody affected by the malfunction; and

[0038] causing the output member to produce an output signal to the partof the patient's body to cancel out pulse signals caused by themalfunction to at least reduce unwanted movement of the part of thepatient's body.

[0039] The method may include the step of causing the output signal tobe created from data stored in a memory and which is processed by aprocessor coupled to the output member.

[0040] In other embodiments the output signal may be created bydetecting the pulse signal created by the patient's body which causesthe unwanted movement, processing the detected signal to create acontrol signal which is supplied to the output member to cause theoutput member to output the output signal.

[0041] Preferably the creation of the output signal is performed by adigital signal processor which carries out an algorithm to create theoutput signal by estimation theory to produce an output having therequired frequency, magnitude and phase to cancel out the pulse signalwhich causes the unwanted movement.

[0042] The invention may also be said to reside in a method of treatingthe symptoms of repetitive nervous system malfunction, including:

[0043] detecting pulses in a patient's body which create unwantedmovement of a part of the patient's body;

[0044] analysing those pulses to enable the production of an outputsignal which can be applied to a patient's body to cancel out thosepulses to prevent the unwanted movement.

[0045] Preferably this method includes detecting the pulses in thepatients body, converting the signals to digital signals, determiningthe phase and magnitude of these signals, creating an output signal ofopposite phase and same magnitude, and storing data relating to theoutput signal for supply to an apparatus to be worn by the patient forcontrolling the symptoms of the malfunction.

[0046] Preferably the signals are stored in memory in a computer and aredownloaded from the computer to an apparatus to be worn by the patientso that when the apparatus is worn by the patient the apparatus iscontrolled in accordance with the data downloaded so that the apparatusproduces the output signal to treat the symptoms of the malfunction.

[0047] The invention also resides in an apparatus which can be used by amedical practitioner to diagnose the nature of pulses produced by apatient which created unwanted movement of parts of the patient's bodyand to store data relating to those pulses so that the data can beprovided to an apparatus for producing a counter-signal to cancel outthose pulses to at least reduce the unwanted movement.

[0048] This aspect of the invention may be said to reside in anapparatus for detecting pulses which create unwanted movement in apatient's body and producing data for enabling counter-pulses to beproduced which when applied to the patient cancel out the pulses to atleast reduce the unwanted movement, said apparatus including:

[0049] a detector for detecting pulses in a patient's body which createunwanted movement of a part of the patient's body;

[0050] processing means for analysing those pulses to determineparameters of the pulses and for producing data to enable the productionof output counter-pulses which when applied to a patient will cancel outthe pulses which create the unwanted movement.

[0051] Preferably the processing means is connected to a personalcomputer in which the data can be stored so that the personal computercan be used to download the data to an apparatus to be worn by thepatient for producing the counter-pulses to cancel out the pulses whichcreate the unwanted movement.

[0052] Preferably the apparatus includes a multiplexer connected to thedetector, a filter and pre-amplifier, an analogue to digital converterfor converting analogue signals detected by the detector to digitalsignals, a phase-locked loop for providing information relating tomagnitude and phase, a digital signal processor connected to thephase-locked loop circuit for producing data relating to the pulsesignal which will cancel out the pulse signal causing the unwantedmovement.

[0053] Preferably the digital signal processor is connected to apersonal computer via an interface circuit.

[0054] A further aspect of the invention relates to a patientstimulation system for supplying an output signal to a patient todetermine whether the output signal is properly cancelling out pulsescausing unwanted movement of part of a patient's body and thereforetreating the symptoms of repetitive nervous system malfunction sufferedby the patient.

[0055] This aspect of the invention has application for use by medicalpractitioners so that once data is obtained relating to the nature ofoutput pulses which are required to alleviate the symptoms suffered by apatient, those signals can be applied by the apparatus to a patient in amedical environment to determine the accuracy of the data for producingrequired output pulses which will cancel out the pulses creatingunwanted movement, and if necessary allow modification to the data sothat the output pulses which are created are most effective in reducingor eliminating the unwanted movement.

[0056] This aspect of the invention may be said to reside in anapparatus for supplying output pulses to a patient for treating unwantedmovement of part of a patient's body to determine the effectiveness ofthe application of the pulses and allowing modification of the pulses ifrequired, said apparatus including:

[0057] an output member for location on a patient's body to provideoutput signals to a part of the patient's body for cancelling out pulsesignals causing unwanted movement of the part of the patient's body;

[0058] processing means for supplying signals to the output member tocause the output member to generate the output signal and supply theoutput signal to the patient's body;

[0059] memory means for storing data related to the output signal; and

[0060] means for enabling alteration of the data so that the data can bealtered to thereby change the output signals if required to enhance thecancellation of the pulse signals which create the unwanted movement andthereby treat the unwanted movement of the patient's body.

[0061] Preferaby the processing means includes a multiplexer coupled toa digital signal processor, and also coupled to a filter andpre-amplifier which is connected to a digital to analogue converter forconverting digital signals to analogue signals for application to theoutput member to create the output signal, a memory connected to thedigital signal processor, and a connector for connection to a computerto enable data to be downloaded to the memory for creating the outputsignal and also for manipulation of that data to change the data andtherefore the output signal.

[0062] A further aspect of the invention resides in an apparatus forapplying treatment signals to a patient to control unwanted movement ofpart of the patient's body, said apparatus including:

[0063] a support member to be worn on the patient's body, the supportmember having a periphery which is held in close proximity to the partof the patient's body;

[0064] at least one output member and/or at least one detector carriedby the support member so that the output member and/or detector are inclose proximity to the patient's body;

[0065] connecting means for connecting the apparatus to a processingcircuit for the processing, detection, supply or manipulation of datafor the production of an output signal to be supplied to the patient'sbody to cancel out pulses which create unwanted movement of thepatient's body.

[0066] Preferably the support member is in the form of an elasticatedsleeve.

[0067] However, depending on the part of the patient's body to which theapparatus is to be supplied the support member may take on differentconfigurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0069]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of theinvention;

[0070]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of theinvention;

[0071]FIG. 3a is a schematic block diagram of a medical practitionerdetection system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0072]FIG. 3b is a schematic block diagram of a patient stimulationsystem used by a medical practitioner according to one embodiment of theinvention;

[0073]FIG. 4 is a drawing of one embodiment of the invention;

[0074]FIG. 5a is a drawing of another embodiment of the invention usedfor diagnostic purposes;

[0075]FIG. 5b is a drawing of a further embodiment of the invention usedfor treatment of a patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0076] With reference to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an apparatus fordetecting and controlling the symptoms of repetitive nervous systemmalfunction is disclosed.

[0077] The embodiment of the invention includes detectors in the form ofa transducer array 10 and an actuator array 12. The transducer array 10and actuator array 12 are carried on a support member 50 (shown in FIG.4) and which can be in the form of an elasticated sleeve, band or thelike which is to be worn by a patient. The transducer array 10 andactuator array 12 are connected to a processing means 20 carried on acircuit board 21 shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1 by a communication linksuch as a cable 11. However, other forms of communication can be usedsuch as electromagnetic radiation transmission for wirelesscommunication such as infrared data transmission.

[0078] The circuit board 21 which carries the processing means 20 iscarried by a patient by locating the board 21 on the patient's belt, ina pocket or anywhere else which is convenient.

[0079] The transducer array 10 is preferably any type of transducerwhich can detect electrical pulses generated in a patient's body andwhich will cause unwanted movement of a part of the patient's body.Suitable types of transducer include micro-machined needles, capacitorplates or other forms of electricity conductor which can detect andtransmit electrical signals indicative of pulses which are generating inthe patient's body to cause unwanted movement of part of the patient'sbody. The transducer array 10 will typically include a number oftransducer elements which are supported on the support member ingenerally close proximity. The number of transducer elements in thearray 10 will depend on the particular application of the invention andwhether the nature of the treatment is localised on a patient and of aknown nature or whether the treatment is to be less localised and is ofa less known nature.

[0080] The transducer elements are shown on a support sleeve 50 in FIG.4 and referenced by reference numeral 10 a. It should be understood thatthe sleeve 50 can be completely covered with the transducers 10 a andonly a few are shown for ease of illustration in FIG. 4.

[0081] The actuator array 12 is any suitable array of elements which cansupply required pulses to a patients body for cancelling out theunwanted pulses which are creating the unwanted movement. Such devicesinclude mechanical vibration devices, ultrasound wave emitters and theaforesaid needle array which can emit magnetic-electrical waves orpulses to the patient's body.

[0082] In FIG. 1 line 11 a of cable 11 connects to all of the transducerelements 10 a in the array 10 so that the elements 10 a are connected toa multiplexer 22. The multiplexer 22 is connected to a band pass filterand pre-amplifier 24 which in turn is connected to an analogue todigital converter 26 for converting analogue signals detected by thetransducer array 10 into digital signals. The analogue to digitalconverter 26 is connected to a phase-locked loop circuit 28 which inturn is connected to a digital signal processor 30. The digital signalprocessor 30 is connected to a random access memory 34 and to a clockgeneration circuit 36 for generating clock signals for driving thedigital processor 30. The multiplexer 22 is also connected to thedigital processor 30 via a line 31.

[0083] The transducer array 10 detects various unwanted nerve signalpulses which create unwanted movement of the various parts of thepatient's body, which may be caused by Parkinson's disease or otherailments, and signals output from the elements 10 a are supplied by line1 1a to the multiplexer 22. The multiplexer 22 determines which of thetransducer elements 10 a has detected the pulse so that the multiplexer22 can act as a switching element to ensure correct transmission of datasignals back and forward between the transducer array 10 (and theactuator array 12) and the processing means 20 on the circuit board 21.The signals are supplied from multiplexer 22 by the band pass filter andpre-amplifier 24 to the analogue to digital converter 26 and then to thephase-locked loop circuit 28 where phase and magnitude data relating tothe signals is initially processed to produce data relating to thefrequency of the signal and opposite phase of the signal. That data issupplied to the digital signal processor 30 to create an output controlsignal on line 35.

[0084] The digital signal processor 30 is under the control of softwarein random access memory 34 for operating the digital signal processor 30and further processing the signals received from the phase-locked loopcircuit 28 for creation of the control signals on line 35. The controlsignals on line 35 are supplied to a digital to analogue converter 36,which converts the signals to analogue form, which then pass through alow pass filter and amplifier 38 to a multiplexer 44 which is connectedvia line 11 b to the actuator array 12.

[0085] The actuator array 12 may include elements 12 a for the output ofsignals to be supplied to the body. As best shown in FIG. 4, theelements 12 a are arranged with various ones of the elements 10 a sothat an element 10 a and an element 12 a are closely adjacent one andother. The multiplexers 22 and 44 are connected together via line 39which in turn connects to line 31 so that the multiplexers 22 and 24 canensure an appropriate output signal on line 35 which is in response tothe detection of a signal from one of the elements 10 a is supplied toan appropriate actuator element 12 a adjacent that element 10 a forapplication to the patient's body.

[0086] An accessory circuit 40 is connected to the actuator array 12 forassisting with the control of the actuator elements 12 a. The accessorycircuit 40 facilitates operation of the actuator array 12 and mayperform such functions as power management and the like.

[0087] The digital signal processor 30 carries out the algorithmsrequired for digital signal detection of the nerve pulses and processingsuch as AR, time-frequency and also produces the opposite phase pulse asdetermined by the phase-locked loop circuit 28. The digital signalprocessor 30 processes the data received by it by using estimationtheory. The phase-locked loop circuit 28 receives information from eachof the transducer elements 10 a and locks the phase of each channel,relating to each one of the elements 10 a, for transmission to thedigital signal processor 30 which, from that information, creates therequired output control signal to enable the output signal of oppositephase and same magnitude to be transmitted to the patient.

[0088] Thus, when the device of FIG. 1 is worn by a patient such as in asupport sleeve 50 shown in FIG. 4, pulses which are creating unwantedmovement of part of the patient's body (such as an arm) are detected andimmediately counter-pulses are produced which are supplied to thepatient's body by the actuator array 12 to cancel those pulses to stopthe unwanted movement.

[0089] Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes the transducer array11 for detecting the pulses, rather than detect the pulses, it ispossible that data relating to the nature of the pulses produced by apatient can be acquired and if the nature of the pulses which createunwanted movement in the patient's body are consistent then the randomaccess memory 34 can simply be programmed with data relating to thosepulses so that the digital signal processor 30 merely generatescounter-pulses to be supplied on line 11 b to the actuator array 12 forthe creation of output signals which will cancel those pulses withouthaving to detect them via a transducer array 10. Thus, in thisembodiment of the invention the transducer array 10, multiplexer 22,filter 24, analogue to digital converter 26 and phase-locked loopcircuit 28 can be omitted because the nature of the pulses is alreadyknown and programmed into the random access memory 34. This embodimenttherefore has particular application where the nature of pulses causingunwanted movement are easily determined and are constant.

[0090] The embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 has applicationwhere the pulses may be more random in nature thereby requiringdetection, analysis and the production of specific control signals tocounter those pulses.

[0091]FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which asensor array 55 is used in place of the transducer array 10 and actuatorarray 12. The sensor array 55 performs the function of both detection ofpulses and the application of output signals to the patient's body.

[0092] In this embodiment the sensor array 55 is connected to amultiplexer 56 which in turn is connected to a duplex circuit 58. Themultiplexer 56 is connected to digital signal processor 30. The duplexer58 also connects to the digital signal processor 30 as shown by line 59in FIG. 2.

[0093] The duplex circuit 58 is connected via a first circuit branch 60to the digital signal processor 30. The first circuit branch 60 includesa band pass filter and pre-amplifier 61, an analogue to digitalconverter 62 and a phase-locked loop circuit 63, each of which performthe same functions as the circuits 24, 26 and 28 described withreference to FIG. 1. The duplex circuit 58 is also connected to thedigital signal processor 30 by a second circuit 66 which includes a lowpass filter and amplifier 67 and a digital to analogue converter 68 sothat output control signals generated by the signal processor 30 aresupplied to the digital to analogue converter 68, for conversion toanalogue form, and then to the duplex circuit 58, multiplexer 56 and tothe sensor array 55 for causing treatment signals to be supplied to thepatient's body to counter the pulses which are creating the unwantedmovement. The multiplexer 56 and duplex circuits 58 switch between thebranches 60 and 66 so that either the branch 60 is connecting thedigital signal processor 30 to the sensor array 55 or the branch 66 isconnecting the digital signal processor 30 to the sensor array 55. Themultiplexer once again determines which of the various elements withinthe sensor array 55 is supplying signals for analysis and which is toreceive signals for creating the output signal for application to thepatient's body so that signals are supplied to the desired part of thepatient's body to counter the unwanted pulses which are creating theunwanted movement.

[0094]FIGS. 3a and 5 a shows an embodiment of the invention which is fordiagnostic use by a medical practitioner in order to provide datarelating to the nature of pulses generating by a patient's body whichare creating unwanted movement. FIG. 3a shows a schematic block diagramof the circuitry and FIG. 5a shows an embodiment of a diagnostic sleeve60 to be worn by the patient. This embodiment has particular applicationin enabling the doctor to determine the nature of treatment signalswhich are required to treat the symptoms of the disorder to prevent theunwanted movement. The doctor is therefore able to download data to anapparatus of the type described with reference to FIG. 1 which does nothave the transducer array 10 or the associated circuitry but just has anactuator array 12 for the application of output signals to the patient'sbody. Thus, by detecting, analysing and determining appropriate controlsignals by the device shown in FIG. 3a, data can be loaded into thememory 34 of FIG. 1 for the generation of appropriate control signalsand output signals to be supplied by the actuator array 12 without theneed for the device of FIG. 1 to detect the signals generated in thepatient's body. As previously explained, this technique has greatapplication in situations where the symptoms experienced by the patientare cause by constant and repetitive pulses.

[0095] With reference to FIG. 3a the apparatus has transducer array 10which is the same as the transducer array 10 of FIG. 1. The transducerarray 10 is connected to a multiplexer 22, a band pass filter andpre-amplifier 24 and analogue to digital converter 26 which, once again,are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1. The analogueto digital converter is connected to a phase-locked loop circuit 28,also the same as that in FIG. 1, which in turn is connected to thedigital signal processor 30, again the same as hat in FIG. 1. A randomaccess memory 34 is provided for controlling operation of the digitalsignal processor 30 and a clock generator 36 supplies clocking signalsto the processor 30 for controlling operation of the processor 30. Thedigital signal processor 30 is connected to an interface 72 whichcouples to a personal computer 74.

[0096] The transducer array 10 detects pulses in a human body in themanner described with reference to FIG. 1 and the digital signalprocessor 30 outputs a control signal on line 71 to the interface 72after the data detected by the transducer array 10 has been processed inthe same manner as described with reference to FIG. 1. Thus, a controlsignal 71 containing data relating to the nature of an output signalwhich should be applied to a patient to counter the pulses causingunwanted movement in the part of the patient's body is thereforegenerated. That data is fed to the personal computer 74 via theinterface 72 and stored in the computer 74. The data which is stored inthe computer 74 can be downloaded into the apparatus of FIG. 1 if theapparatus is to be used in the embodiment described without a transducerarray 10 so that the digital signal processor 30 of FIG. 1 simplygenerates the required control signal on line 35 for the creation of theoutput signals by the actuator array 12. This embodiment enables theproduction of a specific apparatus for a particular patient which hasactuator array elements 12 a in the prescribed location for treating thesymptoms experienced by that patient. One example is shown in FIG. 5b.

[0097] The device of FIG. 3a is used with a support member 60 (FIG. 5a),similar to that described with FIG. 4, in which the transducer elements10 a are provided completely over the entire surface of the supportsleeve 60. The multiplexer 22 provides information as to which of theelements 10 a is being energised by the pulses which are causing theunwanted movement so that the information provided to the computer 74not only indicates the nature of the counter-signals which are requiredto cancel those pulses but also the locations from which they aregenerated.

[0098] This enables a custom made support member 70 (FIG. 5b) to bedesigned for the particular patient which has actuator array elements 12a only in the places where they are actually required, thereby reducingthe cost of the support sleeve 70. Thus, the information which is storedin the computer 74 can be downloaded into a device of the type of FIG. 1which omits the transducer array 10 and the associated circuitry so thatthe processor 30 and memory 34 are provided with information which isrequired in order to generate the required control signals on line 35 toenable the output signals to be generated by the actuator array 12. 10In order to ensure that the elements 1 2 a are located in the right partof the patient's body it is necessary to ensure the sleeve 50 or 70 isworn in the correct position and the information loaded into thepersonal computer 74 for downloading into the device of FIG. 1 may alsoinclude data relating to the required position at which the supportsleeve 50 or 70 is intended to be worn.

[0099]FIG. 3b is a block diagram of a patient stimulation system whichis intended to supply treatment signals to the patient for eliminatingunwanted movement which enables the medical practitioner to alter thenature of the data which is to be stored if that is necessary.

[0100] The apparatus of FIG. 3b is intended to be used by a medicalpractitioner to test that data which is accumulated by the apparatus ofFIG. 3a will correctly generate treatment signals for alleviating thesymptoms of the patient. The actuator array 12 of FIG. 3b is the same asthe actuator array 12 of FIG. 1, as is the multiplexer 44, low passfilter and amplifier 38 and digital to analogue converter 36 whichconnect to the digital signal processor 30. The random access memory 34is again the same and includes information which controls operation ofdigital signal processor 30. Clock generator 36 is also provided forclocking the processor 30. The digital signal processor 30 also isconnected to the multiplexer 44 via line 81 so the multiplexer canprovide switching information relating to which of the elements in theactuator array 12 is providing data. The digital signal processor 30 isconnected to a USB or RS232 connector 82 for connection a personalcomputer such as the personal computer 74 shown in FIG. 3a. In thisembodiment the patient wears the support sleeve 50 which carries theactuator array 12 and the required signals are supplied to the digitalsignal processor 30 via the connector 82 from the personal computer 74.The digital signal processor 30 therefore provides signals via thedigital to analogue converter 36, filter and amplifier 38 andmultiplexer 44 to the actuator array 12 for the application of treatmentsignals to the patient. If the treatment signals are properlyalleviating unwanted movement of the relevant part of the patient's bodythen the medical practitioner will know that the data which has beenstored in the computer 74 is accurate and will properly function whenloaded into a patient apparatus of the type described with referenceFIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2. If the signals are not properly controllingunwanted movement then the medical practitioner can modify the datawhich is stored in the personal computer 74 so that modified data issupplied by the connector 82 to the digital signal processor 30 untilthe data correctly alleviates the unwanted movement of the patient'sbody. That modified data can then be supplied to the patient apparatusof FIGS. 1 or 2 for use by the patient.

[0101] Management and interface software for recording data from thepatient and for controlling the downloading and manipulation of data isstored in the personal computer 74 used by the doctor.

[0102] Thus, according to the preferred embodiments of the invention,the patient can be provided with an apparatus which is specificallytailored to the patients needs with actuator output elements in aparticular array within a support sleeve such as that shown in FIG. 5b,or other suitable support mechanism to be worn by the patient, foralleviating the patient's symptoms and in which the data is supplied bythe medical practitioner using the equipment described with reference toFIGS. 3a or 3 b. Alternatively the apparatus can be of the form whichwill generate its own control signals after detecting the pulsesgenerated by the patient's body via a transducer array 10 as shown inFIG. 1 or a sensor array system as shown in FIG. 4.

[0103]FIG. 4 is a view showing one embodiment of the invention, intendedto be worn on a patient's arm, in the form of a sleeve 50 formed fromelastic type material. The sleeve 50 is completely covered over itslength and periphery with actuator elements 12 a and transducer elements10 a. Of course, if the device is intended for use with data supplied bythe doctor, rather than data which is processed in the apparatus itself,then the transducer elements 10 a are not required. The elastic natureof the sleeve 50 ensures that the elements 10 a and 12 a are closelyadjacent a patient's skin for detecting and applying the appropriatepulse signals to the patient. Each of the elements 10 a, 12 a areconnected to circuit board 21 via link 11 which may be a cable orover-the-air transmission system as previously described. The board 21carries a processing means 20 and can be worn on a patient's belt orcoat pocket or elsewhere as is required.

[0104]FIG. 5a is a view of another embodiment of a sleeve 60 intendedfor diagnostic use. The sleeve 60 includes a transducer array 10 made upof a plurality of transducer elements 10 a covering the whole surface ofthe sleeve 60. The transducer array 10 is connected by a cable 11 toprocessing means 20 and computer 74.

[0105]FIG. 5b is a view of another embodiment of a sleeve 70 which hasbeen made for a specific patient. The sleeve 70 includes an actuatorarray 12 made up of a plurality of actuator elements 12 a arranged in aspecific configuration as required to treat a specific patient. Theactuator array 12 is connected by a cable 11 to processing means 20.

[0106] Although preferred embodiments of the invention are describedherein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvariations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of theinvention or the scope of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for controlling repetitive nervous system malfunctionincluding: a support member to be worn on or in close proximity to apart of a patient's body affected by the malfunction; at least oneoutput member carried by the support member for applying an outputsignal to the part of the patient's body to cancel out pulse signalscaused by the malfunction to at least reduce unwanted movement of thepart of the patient's body caused by the malfunction.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the output member includes an actuator array carriedby the support member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 whereinthe actuator array includes a plurality of actuator elements, eachactuator element being a skin contact device arranged to make contactwith the patient's skin.
 4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3further including: a memory for storing data relating to the patient'ssymptoms which create the unwanted movement of the part of the patient'sbody; and processing means for outputting signals to the output memberbased on the data stored in the memory so that the output member iscontrolled in accordance with the data stored in the memory to produceoutput signals of a required nature to cancel out the pulses whichcreate the unwanted movement of the part of the patient's body.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein the processing means controls parameters ofthe output signal including any one of more of the following: frequency;phase; amplitude; and time duration.
 6. The apparatus of any one of thepreceding claims further including: a detector for detecting pulsesproduced by the patient and which create the unwanted movement of thepart of the patient's body; and processing means for receiving signalsindicative of those pulses and for controlling the output member toproduce an output signal which cancels those pulses.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein the detector is carried by the support member.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6 or claim 7 wherein a said detector is arranged inclose proximity to each of the output members so that the processingmeans can determine which of the detectors detects a pulse creatingunwanted movement and supply an appropriate counter-output signal to theoutput member adjacent that detector for supplying the output signal tothe patient's body at a position coincident with where the pulse isdetected which creates the unwanted movement.
 9. The apparatus of anyone of claims 6 to 8 wherein the detector is any suitable transducer fordetecting biological electric pulses.
 10. The apparatus of any one ofclaims 6 to 9 wherein the processing means is programmed with dataenabling the processing means to distinguish between pulses which createunwanted movement of the part of the patient's body and pulses whichcreate movement which is required by the patient.
 11. The apparatus ofany one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the output member also functions asthe detector for detecting the pulses which create the unwantedmovement.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the output member is inthe form of a micro-machined needle array carried by the support memberand which detects pulses created by the patient which cause the unwantedmovement and, under control of the processing means, outputs the outputsignals to cancel out those pulses.
 13. The apparatus of any one ofclaims 6 to 12 wherein the output member is connected to the processingmeans by a communication link so that the processing means can becarried by the patient remotely from the support member and outputmember.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the communication linkincludes an an electrical cable for the transmission of electricalsignals between the output member and the processing means.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 13 wherein the communication link is wireless,utilising over-the-air transmission between the processing means and theoutput member.
 16. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 15 whereinthe processing means includes a memory and a digital signal processorconnected to a switch member for enabling the control of transmission ofsignals in the processing means from the digital signal processor to theoutput member.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the switch meansincludes at least one multiplexer.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 whereinthe at least one multiplexer is coupled to the output member, themultiplexer being coupled to a filter and amplifier and then to adigital to analogue converter for converting digital signals supplied bythe digital signal processor to analogue signals to cause the outputmember to produce the output signal.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18wherein the detector is connected to a second multiplexer which in turnis connected to a filter and pre-amplifier and then to an analogue todigital converter for converting analogue signals to digital signals,the analogue to digital converter being connected to a phase-locked loopbit detection system for locking the phase of the detected pulses andfor enabling the digital signal processor to produce the output signalhaving the required phase and frequency to cancel out the pulse whichcauses the unwanted movement.
 20. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12wherein the output member is connected to a multiplexer which in turn isconnected to the digital signal processor and also to a duplex circuit,the duplex circuit being connected to a first circuit having apre-amplifier, an analogue to digital converter and a phase-locked loopcircuit which is connected to the digital signal processor and a secondcircuit including an amplifier and a digital to analogue converterconnected to the digital signal processor so that the duplex can switchbetween the supply of signals from the output member to the digitalsignal processor via the first circuit and the supply of signals fromthe digital signal processor to the output member via the secondcircuit.
 21. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein thememory is connected to the digital signal processor.
 22. A method oftreating the symptoms of repetitive nervous system malfunction includingthe steps of: locating an output member in proximity to a part of apatient's body affected by the malfunction; and causing the outputmember to produce an output signal to the part of the patient's body tocancel out pulse signals caused by the malfunction to at least reduceunwanted movement of the part of the patient's body.
 23. The method ofclaim 22 further including the step of causing the output signal to becreated from data stored in a memory and which is processed by aprocessor coupled to the output member.
 24. The method of claim 22 orclaim 23 further including the steps of: detecting the pulse signalcreated by the patient's body which causes the unwanted movement; andprocessing the detected signal to create a control signal which issupplied to the output member to cause the output member to output theoutput signal.
 25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24 whereincreation of the output signal is performed by a digital signal processorwhich carries out an algorithm to create the output signal by estimationtheory to produce an output having the required frequency, magnitude andphase to cancel out the pulse signal which causes the unwanted movement.26. A method of treating the symptoms of repetitive nervous systemmalfunction, including: detecting pulses in a patient's body whichcreate unwanted movement of a part of the patient's body; analysingthose pulses to enable the production of an output signal which can beapplied to the patient's body to cancel out those pulses to prevent theunwanted movement.
 27. The method of claim 26 further including thesteps of: converting the detected pulses to digital signals; determiningthe phase and magnitude of the digital signals; creating the outputsignal of opposite phase and same magnitude; and storing data relatingto the output signal for supply to an apparatus to be worn by thepatient for controlling the symptoms of the malfunction.
 28. The methodof claim 26, further including the steps of: storing the signals inmemory in a computer; and downloading the signals from the computer toan apparatus to be worn by the patient so that when the apparatus isworn by the patient the apparatus is controlled in accordance with thedata downloaded so that the apparatus produces the output signal totreat the symptoms of the malfunction.
 29. An apparatus for detectingpulses which create unwanted movement in a patients body and producingdata for enabling counter-pulses to be produced which, when applied tothe patient, cancel out the pulses to at least reduce the unwantedmovement, said apparatus including: a detector for detecting pulses in apatient's body which create unwanted movement of a part of the patient'sbody; processing means for analysing those pulses to determineparameters of the pulses and for producing data to enable the productionof an output signal containing counter-pulses which when applied to apatient will cancel out the pulses which create the unwanted movement.30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the processing means is connectedto a personal computer in which the data can be stored so that thepersonal computer can be used to download the data to an apparatus to beworn by the patient for producing the counter-pulses to cancel out thepulses which create the unwanted movement.
 31. The apparatus of claim 29or claim 30 further including a multiplexer connected to the detector, afilter and pre-amplifier, an analogue to digital converter forconverting analogue signals detected by the detector to digital signals,a phase-locked loop for providing information relating to magnitude andphase, a digital signal processor connected to the phase-locked loopcircuit for producing data relating to the pulse signal which willcancel out the pulse signal causing the unwanted movement.
 32. Anapparatus for supplying output pulses to a patient for treating unwantedmovement of part of a patient's body to determine the effectiveness ofthe application of the pulses and allowing modification of the pulses ifrequired, said apparatus including: an output member for location on apatient's body to provide output signals to a part of the patient's bodyfor cancelling out pulse signals causing unwanted movement of the partof the patient's body; processing means for supplying signals to theoutput member to cause the output member to generate the output signaland supply the output signal to the patient's body; memory means forstoring data related to the output signal; and means for enablingalteration of the data so that the data can be altered to thereby changethe output signals if required to enhance the cancellation of the pulsesignals which create the unwanted movement and thereby treat theunwanted movement of the patient's body.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32wherein the processing means includes a multiplexer coupled to a digitalsignal processor, and also coupled to a filter and pre-amplifier whichis connected to a digital to analogue converter for converting digitalsignals to analogue signals for application to the output member tocreate the output signal, a memory connected to the digital signalprocessor, and a connector for connection to a computer to enable datato be downloaded to the memory for creating the output signal and alsofor manipulation of that data to change the data and therefore theoutput signal.
 34. An apparatus for applying treatment signals to apatient to control unwanted movement of part of the patient's body, saidapparatus including: a support member to be worn on the patient's body,the support member having a periphery which is held in close proximityto the part of the patient's body; at least one output member and/or atleast one detector carried by the support member so that the outputmember and/or detector are in close proximity to the patient's body;connecting means for connecting the apparatus to a processing circuitfor the processing, detection, supply or manipulation of data for theproduction of an output signal to be supplied to the patients body tocancel out pulses which create unwanted movement of the patient's body.35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the support member is in the formof an elasticated sleeve.